Heirs of John Steinbeck sue for control of literary estate
NEW YORK -- John Steinbeck's surviving blood heirs are suing the estate of his third wife, Elaine Steinbeck, alleging a "30-year hidden conspiracy" to cheat them of royalties and copyright control and detailing a bitter family feud worthy of a Steinbeck novel.

'Tarnished Eye' mirrors real-life slayings
EDINA, Minn. - Judith Guest's first book, Ordinary People, has brought her "one birthday present after the next," including a film version that won wide acclaim and several Academy Awards.

Books briefs
NEW YORK -- To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Isaac Bashevis Singer, the Library of America has published three volumes of the Polish-born writer's short stories and a volume of pictorial biography.

Flood historian tells 'dam' good story
The residents of the Mill River Valley in Massachusetts had been nervous about the reservoir dam for years. Indeed, one man often rose on rainy nights and rode up to check its safety.

Halladay to make start as planned
ARLINGTON, Texas - Toronto right-hander Roy Halladay will make his scheduled start on Wednesday in New York against the Yankees despite concerns about his sore shoulder.

Illinois woman dies after fireworks prank
CALUMET CITY, Ill. -- An elderly woman has died after lit fireworks were slipped into the mail slot of her home, sparking a fire over the Independence Day weekend.

Braves' notebook
ATLANTA - The Atlanta Braves' grip on first place in the National League East might prove fleeting.

Home runs propel Atlanta
ATLANTA - Numbers say Russ Ortiz has been baseball's best pitcher since the start of last season.

Braves' bats at center of loss
ATLANTA - The Atlanta Braves turned a potently productive offensive night into a 5-1 loss to the Montreal Expos on Friday by leaving 10 runners on base, four in scoring position.

Kmart stands by Martha Stewart's brand
DETROIT -- Kmart Holding Co. reiterated its loyalty to Martha Stewart's company Friday after the domestic style maven was sentenced to five months in prison for lying about a stock sale.

Getting patents revoked is a tough task
SAN JOSE, Calif. - A small company called Acacia Research Corp. went after some of the biggest names in broadcasting last month, suing nine companies for an estimated $100 million for allegedly violating its patent on streaming video.

Martha Stewart gets 5 months in prison; appeal expected
NEW YORK -- Domestic icon Martha Stewart was handed a prison term of just five months Friday for lying about a stock sale. After asking the judge for leniency, she emerged defiant from the courthouse to say she was being persecuted and declared, "I'll be back."

Larger carriers may be doomed
ATLANTA - When AirTran Airways CEO Joe Leonard told federal lawmakers last month they should let some of his competitors fail, the nation's major carriers might have found his comments self-serving.

City could get Independence
The nation's newest low-cost carrier may have said no to Augusta earlier this year, but officials with Independence Air said the Garden City is still in the running for future service.

Whitehead for Senate
Controversial state Sen. Joey Brush was considered vulnerable even before Jim Whitehead stepped into the GOP primary.

Let's keep Beard, Sims
The word "special" isn't the first thing that pops into your mind when pondering the Augusta Commission.

Elect Whittle, Padgett
In two key Columbia County law-and-order related races, we enthusiastically endorse CLAY WHITTLE for re-election as sheriff and J. WADE PADGETT for election as chief magistrate judge.

Jolly is needed as judge
If you don't know SHERYL JOLLY, it may be because you haven't been in trouble in the past eight years - and because neither has she.

Fugitive chess king captured in Japan
TOKYO -- In a bizarre end game, Bobby Fischer - the chess world's most eccentric star - was taken into custody after trying to fly out of Japan with an invalid passport.

Balanced funds can be a safe strategy in a sideways market
NEW YORK -- Putting your money to work in a dull market is no easy task, but staying on the sidelines can pose a greater danger for small investors: If you wait until the market seems like a comfortable place to be, you might never jump in.

Stocks can't hold gains from strong CPI report
NEW YORK -- Investors, shifting their focus from the economy to a possible second-half profit slump, sent technology and small-cap stocks sharply lower Friday, giving all three major indexes their third straight losing week. A jump in oil prices contributed to more moderate losses in other sectors.

Outstanding balanced funds for small investors
If you're not sure where to invest in the current market, a balanced mutual fund that combines both stocks and bonds can be an easy solution. Whether you're socking away money in a tax-advantaged retirement account or building up long-term savings, putting a broadly diversified balanced fund at the center of your portfolio can help focus your investment strategy.

Tokyo stocks end slightly higher
TOKYO -- Tokyo stocks ended slightly higher Friday as investors shrugged off worries about a possible hike in Chinese interest rates which would hurt Japanese exports. The U.S. dollar was lower against the Japanese yen.

World's appetite for tuna poses threat to supply
FAVIGNANA, Italy -- Over thousands of springtimes, as far back as Homer's Odyssey, the fishermen of Favignana have battled giant bluefin tuna lured into vast chambers of intricate netting. This year, the nets were empty.

Gardner will not back down
When Jarrett Gardner's younger brother tore his anterior cruciate ligament last year, Gardner did what any older brother would do.

Byrd leads after second round of B.C. Open
ENDICOTT, N.Y. -- Byrd for birdie. It almost became monotonous. Jonathan Byrd had nine birdies Friday in a 7-under 65 that gave him a one-shot lead after two rounds of the B.C. Open.

Hamilton in another unfamiliar spot - leading British Open
TROON, Scotland -- Todd Hamilton is used to feeling out of place. It's strange enough trying to make a living in outposts stretching from Singapore to Pakistan to Kuala Lumpur, or showing up at PGA Tour qualifying school for the eighth time as a 38-year-old father of three.

Mickelson reaches for Palmer's game
TROON, Scotland - Phil Mickelson stood on the first tee Friday seven shots back and in danger of missing the cut at the British Open. Arnold Palmer is his role model, and Mickelson needed a Palmer-like charge - fast.

Sen. Brush works hard for the entire region
I have worked campaigns from Board of Education to U.S. Senate races, and have worked with hard-working candidates and with not-so-hard working candidates. State Sen. Joey Brush stands among the best I have ever seen. He is always ready to help those in need. I have watched him as a freshman senator with no seniority grow to be the senator the governor can count on to get things done. This does not happen overnight. It would take 10 years for someone to get to the position where they could help the people of Columbia County and surrounding counties.Rob Blandenburg, Martinez

Experience key in Superior Court race
A Superior Court judge should have Superior Court experience. It's that simple. The incoming judge will preside over domestic court. Wouldn't the best possible candidate be the one with the most experience in Superior Court, with extensive dealings in domestic issues?
Lori Drawdy, Harlem

Herman Cain will be a great U.S. senator
Regarding Michael Ryan's June 20 column, '"Ground' (Johnny) Isakson and 'Air' (Herman) Cain": Mr. Ryan's argument for Georgia's U.S. Senate race seems to come down to this: Support Mr. Isakson and endorse the status quo or support Mr. Cain and endorse making a difference.Hugh Barrow, Augusta

Kolb should have left sooner
After reading former city administrator George Kolb's July 11 column concerning government and political issues here in Augusta, I am now convinced he should have left sooner. When will the leaders of this community stop tolerating dysfunctional leadership?

Keep Sims aboard for full term on commission
When Stephen E. Shepard vacated Augusta's 3rd District seat, Barbara Sims was appointed to fill that position. Barbara has brought serenity to the city commission, has shown a positive attitude toward Augusta's future, has exercised her expertise of business knowledge and truly loves her work as a city commissioner.Nan and Jack Connell, Augusta

Ingram must head court as magistrate
Several years ago, through tears, anger, bitterness and sorrow, I met attorney Richard Ingram. He never once failed to take or return my calls, no matter how trivial or inconsequential the reason, day or night. To a mother, this fact alone separates good from bad.Kathryn Davis, Evans

Neighbor knows Padgett's good qualities
Well, it's election season again, and that means we are all treated to unending hymns of praise for this candidate or that, with everyone swearing on a stack of Bibles what fine human beings they are. There are, however, people who know the truth about a candidate, people who get the chance to observe them in "their native habitat," unguarded in their actions. I am referring to neighbors. A neighbor sees how a man treats his wife, how his kids respond to him, how he manages his household and whether or not his public image matches the private reality.
Ed Rees, Evans

Republicans are the best choices
July 20 is the primary date for Columbia County residents to vote for their candidates. For Columbia County offices up for election, this is basically the election, not November.

Appreciates tone of Jim Whitehead campaign
I wish to express my appreciation for the positive campaign conducted by Jim Whitehead, versus the smear campaign run by his opponent Joey Brush. The sign of a "can't run on the issues campaign" is to try to smear your opponent. This is the normal tactic employed by Democrats, not Republicans.
Sgt. Maj. Floyd E. Felts (retired), Evans

Moretz believes in miracles
Charles Walker's indictments; an Augusta Commission split along racial lines; an ineffective, politically hand-tied mayor; a city administrator who left town for greener pastures in Kansas - and now, Dorothy, all you have to do is tap your heels together three times and repeat, "There's no place like home."
Dr. J.S. Hickey, Augusta

Leadership a true test of time, tenure
Voting allowed me to cast my vote securely. No one else knew whom I pulled the lever for or punched the card for. My conscience and me! Now, to be asked to work on a campaign is different. This would mean that others would know whom I was supporting and would even question why I was supporting a particular candidate.

Kernaghan a candidate with integrity
As a neighbor and good friend of Greg Kernaghan and his family, I would like to humbly ask that you vote for Greg on Tuesday for District 3 Columbia County commissioner. I know that Greg is a man of integrity, and I have seen him demonstrate this in both his professional and personal life. I believe that he will listen objectively to his constituents and will work tirelessly for them and for the betterment of this county.Rachel Sasser, Evans

Higher court candidates Sheffield, Brantley share views, values
One of our country's main problems involve judges who think they are lawmakers - not constitutional interpreters of the law. While the media focuses on this nationally, in Georgia the important July 20 judicial races are terribly under-reported.Philip Kent Jr., Martinez

Chasing funnel clouds in Tornado Alley for fun
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Spawned by the 1996 Warner Brothers movie "Twister," the ranks of people who call themselves "storm chasers" have swelled, and some of them have turned their hobby into a business.

Study shows ocean absorbed about half of excess carbon dioxide
WASHINGTON -- Nearly half the excess carbon dioxide spilled into the air by humans over the past two centuries has been taken up by the ocean, a study says. If that continues, it could damage the ability of many ocean creatures to make their shells, says an accompanying report.

Convent flourishes as meeting center, tourist destination
OSTRITZ, Germany -- The nuns at St. Marienthal Convent have weathered the toughest times imaginable in their 770-year history: the Reformation, the Black Plague, fires, a massive flood, the Nazi dictatorship and East German communism.

Civic groups on look out for younger, successful candidates
It's a tough time for civic groups. When the Chronicle of Philanthropy surveyed charitable organizations in 1998, it found that traditional service-based groups such as the Jaycees, Rotary International and Kiwanis are struggling to maintain their numbers as departing members leave a void in membership rolls.

What to do when wedding plans fall apart
Dear Carson: I am heartbroken, devastated and furious with my ex-fiance. He jilted me over the lame excuse that he wasn't ready to be married. Our wedding was scheduled for later this summer and I had already sent "save the date" cards. There have been some showers for me and I received gifts from that source as well as some others. Other than shooting the scumbag, what should I do about all those gifts and about giving an explanation for those who ask "Why?" - Jilted in Jacksonville

Travel briefs
BREDA, The Netherlands -- The latest pocket-sized travel books to hit the market are called "100%" and they provide a selective neighborhood-by-neighborhood guide to sights, shopping, dining and accommodations in six cities.

In the know
Sometimes those in love know it, but for Valencia Johnson and Michael Calliste, it wasn't quite so obvious.

Yosemite summit lures hikers
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, Calif. - Anthony Frost was just 200 feet from the summit of Half Dome when he lost his nerve. Then he almost lost his lunch.

Desolation Canyon: Wings
THE STORY SO FAR: Reaching a point of safety along the Green River with Aaron's dad injured, and becoming worse, a signal fire is lighted requesting emergency aid. A rescue airplane appears, only to inexplicably disappear.

Demand for food aid surges as families face hard times
DELANCO, N.J. -- Appropriately, the Catholic Charities food bank here is tucked in the corner of a shopping mall. Its clients come from generally affluent suburbs; many felt disbelief when hard times compelled them, for the first time, to seek help.

Classes aid science students
College student Eric Lawton said he discovered more in two days at Savannah River Site than he would have in a semester of classroom study.

Sheriff to take paid leave for rest of '04
ATLANTA - Fulton County Sheriff Jackie Barrett will take paid leave until the end of the year amid criticism of her handling of the county's overcrowded jail and an investigation into $7.2 million of public money she invested, her attorneys said Friday.

News you can use
Activities and entertainment events scheduled for this week include:

Jurors propose merging facilities
Richmond County should consider closing its Walton Way jail and housing all inmates under one roof at the new facility on Phinizy Road, the outgoing grand jury recommended Friday.

2-term leader dies at age 76
ATLANTA - Former Georgia Gov. George Busbee, a Democrat who campaigned as "a workhorse, not a showhorse," died in Savannah on Friday of an apparent heart attack. He was 76.

Ads, accusations heat up state Senate race
Of all the Columbia County races to go before voters Tuesday, the most adversarial is the Republican campaign for the 24th District state Senate seat - at least in terms of advertisements.

Nurses struggle amid budget cuts, demand
EDGEFIELD, S.C. - Like a field general with too many battles and too few troops, Jane Seigler spends her days hoping she has just enough nurses to meet the hottest public health onslaught threatening her defensive perimeter.

Judge puts off coach's hearing
AIKEN - The bond hearing for a popular tennis pro charged with molesting two teenage students was postponed Saturday until Monday at the request of his attorney.

Edgefield hopeful draws more money than sheriff
Edgefield County sheriff's candidate Dan Choate has out fund-raised and outspent incumbent Sheriff Adell Dobey in the race so far, according to campaign finance disclosures filed this week.

DeMint assails rival on treaties
COLUMBIA - Republican Senate candidate Jim DeMint took a jab at his Democratic opponent Friday as he praised Congress' approval of a new trade agreement with Australia.

Petitioners save Beech Island bank
AIKEN - When Beech Island residents received word they might lose their only bank in town, a petition to save the First Citizens branch office collected more than 1,200 signatures and the support of a state representative.

CD distribution to libraries stalls
CHARLESTON, S.C. - South Carolina libraries are to receive 70,000 compact discs as part of a legal settlement, but the distribution of CDs was suspended after other states appeared to be receiving dozens of warehouse leftovers.

Marine killed in Iraq buried
ALLENDALE, S.C. - Friends say Pfc. Rodricka Youmans, a Marine who was killed this month in Iraq, was a fun-loving young man who will be remembered in his hometown as a hero.

Program crosses lines of research
Pursuing a doctoral degree while also becoming a doctor means Jason Burnette is used to dealing with two disciplines. A new grant is making it easier to take an interdisciplinary approach with his research.

District 3 hopefuls intend to bring new ideas to panel
Barbara Sims, who was appointed to the Augusta Commission just a little more than six months ago, finds herself being challenged by another longtime Augusta resident and a relative newcomer who says the city needs "new blood."

Experience is key race issue
As is often the message when a political newcomer looks to unseat a longtime incumbent, experience versus new blood has become the campaign theme for the two candidates for Columbia County Commission District 3.

Correction
An Around Town item in Saturday's editions of The Augusta Chronicle listed an incorrect phone number for the Candlelight Jazz Concert Series. The correct number is 495-6238. The Chronicle regrets the error.

Numbers drive race for sheriff
In the heated race for Columbia County sheriff, the two candidates have picked over innumerable details, questioning each other during the past several months on everything from background qualifications to credit card purchases.

News you can use
Activities and entertainment events scheduled for this week include:

Across South Carolina
CHARLESTON - Charleston's U.S. Coast Guard operations have their first female commander.

Kid of the Day
Today's Kid of the Day is Vivica Birt of North Augusta.

Georgia Tech coach ready to raise the bar once again
The Los Angeles Lakers never called after they hung up the phone with Mike Krzyzewski. Recruits haven't suddenly started flooding his mailbox or storming his doorstep begging for opportunities to play at Georgia Tech.

Hawks tame Bobcats
SALT LAKE CITY -- First-round draft choice Josh Smith scored 18 of his 21 points in the second half to lead the Atlanta Hawks to an 87-62 summer league victory Friday over the expansion Charlotte Bobcats in the Reebok Rocky Mountain Revue.

Featured obituary: Mrs. ary Eleanor Thurmond Tompkins
AIKEN - The last living sibling of South Carolina political legend Strom Thurmond, sister Mary Eleanor Thurmond Tompkins, is dead, family members said Friday, leaving memories of a determined woman who always cooked her brother's favorite foods when he came to his hometown.

Area sports announcements
Rodney Hennon's Eagles Baseball Camp will be held at Georgia Southern. Session III will be held July 26-29 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. For more information, call (912) 871-1331 or go to www.georgiasouthernbaseballcamp.com.

Armstrong in total control
PLATEAU DE BEILLE, France - Clearing the path to a record sixth Tour de France crown, Lance Armstrong overpowered his rivals in the showcase race's 13th stage on Saturday, moving to cement his place as the most dominant rider of his generation.

Overtime
Georgia Tech's 2005 recruiting class has grown to three players following verbal commitments from a pair of high school seniors this week.

Hipwell stays on top of class
Top fuel hydro driver John Hipwell remained the top qualifier in his field Saturday after a long, balmy day for fans and drivers at the 19th annual Augusta Southern Nationals drag boat races.

Overtime
Moving quickly to streamline the department he inherited from Vince Dooley, new Georgia athletic director Damon Evans eliminated the jobs of three longtime employees Friday.

Two teams bring tennis back in Aiken
Sandy Harris handed out T-shirts to his Odell Weeks team at Thursday night's practice. It was his first chance to reward his club for a crowning achievement.

Team success takes hard work
A basketball team comprised largely of 11-year-old girls will compete against a team of older girls at the Georgia Games in Atlanta this weekend.

More than bass
Who says the biggest fish in Clarks Hill are striped bass?

Boat racers going plumb crazy
Jerry Kutz will tell you there is something magical and satisfying about jolting from zero to 215 mph in three seconds in a boat packed with 500 cubic inches of snarling engine.

Outdoors calendar
NOTE: All the listed events are open to the public, although membership in some organizations might be required.

Rare emus are turning up everywhere
George Fryhofer has seen some strange creatures running through the woods in Burke County, but the 5-foot-tall, three-toed birds that have been turning up near Shell Bluff are probably the oddest.

Warriors battle to title
Just because all but a couple of college coaches had flown home didn't mean the Illinois Warriors would take their collective foot off the accelerator for Saturday evening's Nike Peach Jam final.

Dogs' bite weak for this Gator
Ben Troupe might be a Georgia native, but most people in his home state will always remember this Tennessee Titan as another Georgia killer.

Falcon's notebook
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. - Considering where his team stood at the end of November, Dick Sullivan is grateful the Atlanta Falcons have such devoted fans.

Faith Calendar
The Faith Calendar is a roundup of church and temple activities. Space is limited. Deadline is noon Monday.

Faith digest
STUART AND SHELBY STOUT, OF WEDDINGTON, N.C., who lost their 12-year-old daughter, Hope, to cancer in January, will speak at 10:30 a.m. Sunday at Christ Baptist Church, 770 Five Notch Road in North Augusta.

Pastor makes history serving God
When Renea Slater finished Candler School of Theology at Emory University about 12 years ago, there were only two positions available in the Georgia United Methodist conference. She did not get one.

Religion News in Brief
SHANGHAI, China -- China is threatening the future of Tibetan Buddhism by limiting the number of monks and discouraging festivals, a watchdog group said in a report. The actions are part of a campaign to tighten control of the Himalayan region.

Mission workers venture out to provide health care
Augustan Ashley Titter will be part of a 33-member team traveling to Honduras this month to build a kindergarten. She is following the advice of veteran mission workers to take sturdy work shoes, bottled water, a journal, a generous amount of bug spray and a snack food she likes. That means she's packing animal crackers, thanks to advice from members of Wesley United Methodist Church in Evans.

Author details spiritual take on self-image
When publishers asked for photos of Martinez author Regina Franklin for the cover of her book, Who Calls Me Beautiful? Finding Our True Image in the Mirror of God, she agreed, under one condition.

Nielsen criticized over how it measures local TV audiences
WASHINGTON -- Fox TV, Univision and other critics of the way local television audiences are measured told Congress on Thursday that minorities are being undercounted and that could lead to the elimination of shows popular with blacks and Hispanics.